Virginia Studies Review

VS.6a-c

The student will demonstrate knowledge of the role of Virginia in the establishment of the new American nation by:

a)  explaining why George Washington is called the “Father of Our Country” and James Madison is called the “Father of the Constitution.”

b)  identifying the ideas of George Mason and Thomas Jefferson as expressed in the Virginia Declaration of Rights and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom.

c)  explaining the influence of geography on the migration of Virginians into western territories.

VS.10a

The student will demonstrate knowledge of government, geography, and economics by:

a)  identifying the three branches of Virginia government and the function of each.

VS.6 - The student will demonstrate knowledge of the role of Virginia in the establishment of the new American nation by:
a) explaining why George Washington is called the “Father of Our Country” and James Madison is called the “Father of the Constitution.”
The actions and ideas of Virginians formed the basis for the new constitutional government of the United States.
Questions: / Answers:

Why is George Washington referred to as the “Father of Our Country?”

/ George Washington, a Virginian:
·  elected as the first President of the United States of America.
·  provided the strong leadership needed to help the young country
·  provided a model of leadership for future presidents.
·  called the “Father of Our Country.”

Why is James Madison referred to as the “Father of the Constitution?”

/ James Madison, a Virginian:
·  Believed in the importance of having a United States constitution.
·  Kept detailed notes during the Constitutional Convention.
·  His skills at compromise helped the delegates reach agreement during the difficult process of writing the Constitution of the United States of America.
VS.6 - The student will demonstrate knowledge of the role of Virginia in the establishment of the new American nation by:
b) identifying the ideas of George Mason and Thomas Jefferson as expressed in the Virginia Declaration of Rights and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom.
Ideas expressed in the Virginia Declaration of Rights and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom served as models for the Bill of Rights of the Constitution of the United States of America.
Questions: / Answers:

What was the influence of the Virginia Declaration of Rights on the Constitution of the United States of America?

/ The Virginia Declaration of Rights, written by George Mason, states that all Virginians should have certain rights, including freedom of religion, freedom of the press, and the right to a trial by jury. The document became the basis for the Bill of Rights of the Constitution of the United States of America.

What was the influence of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom on the Constitution of the United States of America?

/ The Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, written by Thomas Jefferson, states that all people should be free to worship as they please. This document was the basis for the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America, the amendment that protects religious freedom.
VS.6 - The student will demonstrate knowledge of the role of Virginia in the establishment of the new American nation by:
c) explaining the influence of geography on the migration of Virginians into western territories.
Geography influenced the movement of people and ideas as Virginians moved to and beyond the Virginia frontier.
Questions: / Answers:
What geographic factors influenced Virginians to move to the western frontier of Virginia and beyond? / After the American revolution, Virginia’s agricultural base began to change, and as a result large numbers of Virginians moved west and to the deep South to find better farmland and new opportunities. As Virginians moved, they took their traditions, ideas, and cultures with them.
What were Virginians looking for in the western territories? / Virginians migrated into western territories looking for large areas of land and new opportunities.
How did tobacco farming influence the decision of many farmers to look west and south for new land? / Tobacco farming was hard on the soil, causing many farmers to look west and south for new land to farm.
How did the settlers get to the new lands in the west? / Settlers crossed the Appalachian Mountains through the Cumberland Gap as they migrated to new lands in the west.

VS.10 - The student will demonstrate knowledge of government, geography, and economics by:

a)  identifying the three branches of Virginia government and the function of each.
Three Branches of Government in Virginia
Executive Branch / Legislative Branch / Judicial Branch
Headed by the governor
Function:
·  makes sure that state laws are carried out / General Assembly
·  Senate
·  House of Delegates
Function:
·  Makes state laws / State’s court system
Function:
·  decides cases about people accused of breaking the law
·  decides whether or not a law agrees with Virginia’s constitution.